When motorists approach a busy intersection, they are responsible for understanding the rules of the road, including who has the right of way and when they must yield to other vehicles. While traffic signals and signage control traffic flow and prevent serious accidents at intersections, this does not always prevent negligent drivers from acting carelessly, engaging in reckless driving behaviors, or violating the traffic laws meant to protect all motorists. When this happens, it can result in a serious car accident involving severe injuries. If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident that occurred at an intersection, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
It may be obvious who caused a car accident at an intersection in some cases. For example, if a motorist sped through a red light and crashed into a vehicle driving through the intersection, the speeding driver would be liable for the accident. However, in some cases, multiple drivers may be at fault. The police officer who responded to the 911 call will fill out an accident report, including general information about both drivers, and may identify which driver was responsible for causing the accident.
If more than one party is at fault, each driver will be assigned a percentage of liability. This will affect the damages that they are eligible to recover. For example, if another driver crashes into you after running through a red light, they will likely be considered at fault. However, if you drove 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, you may share a percentage of liability. You will still be able to recover damages, but your share of liability will reduce your total recovery.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents at Intersections?
All motorists are responsible for following the rules of the road, which includes knowing how to navigate a busy intersection. The busier the intersection, the more important it is that motorists prioritize safety and understand how to navigate an intersection that may have multiple lanes of traffic. Some type of driver negligence causes most intersection accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 96 percent of intersection accidents involve an at-fault driver. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of intersection accidents:
- Left turns: Most car accidents involve left turns where the turning motorist misjudges the distance between their vehicle and oncoming traffic and the speed at which the oncoming vehicles are traveling. This can result in a devastating T-bone accident, where the oncoming vehicle crashes into the side of the vehicle that is turning left.
- High traffic volume: The more vehicles on the road at any given time, the more likely an accident can happen. Most intersection accidents occur during rush hour when more motorists are on the road. The heavy volume, combined with drivers rushing to get to work in the morning or home at the end of the day, can increase the risk of a serious intersection accident.
- Distracted driving: According to the NHTSA, distracted driving is the most common cause of car accidents at intersections. Anytime a motorist is distracted by a phone call, a text message, or anything else that takes their attention away from the road, the likelihood of an accident increases dramatically. This is particularly true at a busy intersection where the driver must focus on yielding to the right of way, stopping at a red light or stop sign, and ensuring it is safe to turn or cross the intersection.
- Speeding: Drivers often increase their speed when the light turns yellow to beat the red light. However, when the light turns red at the same time that the other light turns green, this can result in a devastating, high-speed collision.
- Failure to yield or stop: An accident can occur at an intersection when a motorist fails to stop at a red light or stop sign or does not yield to the driver with the right of way. If the motorist who crashes into the other car is driving at a high speed, this can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove That the Other Driver Was At Fault?
If you were injured in a car accident at an intersection and believe that the other motorist was at fault, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. To prove negligence, you will need to provide as much evidence as possible, including the following:
- Copy of the police report
- Witness statements
- Pictures from the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and skid marks on the road
- Surveillance videos from local businesses
- Data from the vehicle’s black box, if the other driver’s vehicle is equipped with one
- Results from a blood alcohol or drug test
- Copy of an accident reconstructionist’s report
- Expert testimony
- Copies of your medical records
- Receipts, bills, and other documentation of your financial losses
Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Advocate for Victims of Intersection Car Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a car accident at an intersection, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. We will help you navigate every step of the claims process, protect your legal rights, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, where we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.